Refined elegance and richly conceived ornamentation. A guiding inspiration, the British Art Nouveau movement informs the Alexander McQueen Autumn Winter Pre-Fall 2020 collection.

Creative Director of Alexander McQueen, Sarah Burton has long been a champion of fine arts, attention to detail, along with heroing talented local makers and manufacturers. Creating true works of art, we now have a special close up look at the detail and impeccable craftsmanship of these wonderous garments.

The Pre-Fall 20 woman imbued strength and power. Almost warrior-like divinities wearing their commanding armor. We see tailored pantsuits featured, from a metallic gold single-breasted jacket and matching cigarette trousers, to a carnelian red double-faced duchesse silk jacket and slim peg trousers.

Knitwear reveals itself through shape and form. From a cocoon sleeved crew neck jumper, to a rib knit cardigan coat. The ‘nouveau print’ is then introduced through a silver and ivory silk ruffle dress, while leather mini dresses substitute as strong corset harnesses.

The intricate detail showcases itself through the glittering bedazzled sparkle moments. We see a fine tulle tunic and dress with art nouveau floral embroidery, siniuous iris embroidery and dégradé sequins. A one shoulder dress with silver twisted embellished embroidery and delicate sequin embroidered skirt. A black silk satin column dress with layered cape and floral embroidered bodice and the masterpiece that is a black harness with twisted art nouveau thistle jet embroidery.

The incredible close-up photographs of these mesmerising garments highlight the sheer amount of craftsmanship and painstaking hours that went into creating them. Layers upon layers of delicate sequins, embroidery, lace and fine tulle. True wearable works of art, it’s easy to be transfixed by the detail.

For more on Alexander McQueen, be sure to see the incredible McQueen Creators nature week photography submissions, or appreciate music in isolation with the McQueen Music initiative.